mrclassicfreak

I just signed up for my June SATs, but I failed to get my first choice testing centre and it automatically signed me up for an alternate testing centre that is located 6 hours from where I currently live. So my question is, can I just show up in my desired (my first choice) testing center with my admission ticket to the actual (my second choice, that the collegeboard just signed me up for) testing center? I understand that I need to pay a few more bucks for that, but I don't have to worry about that. Will I be able to still write my SATs in my area?

It said on Collegeboard.com that "There's a $21.00 fee for changing test date, test type, or test center. You must call customer service to make any of those changes. Customer service can be reached at (866) 756-7346.
If you choose to test at any center other than the one listed on your Admission Ticket, you will be charged a test center change fee."

Apparently the centre I want to write my SATs in is "unavailable", but will that "unavailability" really matter when I try to switch my testing centers?
Thanks

mrclassicfreak

BUMP! I really need help on this guys...

darnfancylettuce

Are you sure that the test is actually being administered at the center you want to take it in? Test centers vary by test date.

cpeltz

The test centers can and do fill up. I think you can show up on a standby basis, but it will be first come, first served with no guarantee. Is there another site closer than the alternate that automatically was selected? You should try to call to clear this up.

legend.dracula

I signed up on the deadline for June so I think my chance of being thrown away of 1st choice is very high.( maybe i'm lucky )
if the test center is full, though you pay 21$ that will not help you find a seat.
my friend had to go to CT from Boston to take the Toefl . 8-}

mrclassicfreak

Thanks for the feedbacks guys!
So did I just waste my $60 on a testing center that I'm not even going to take my SATs in? Basically am I supposed to go as a standby tester in my first choice testing area? There is no way I can travle to an island for just two tests...AN ISLAND..It takes about 7 hours to get there by bus + ferry. ARGHH
Is there ANY other way I can still write my test without wasting my $60 fee? (and of course without traveling for 7 hours)

Godot

First, confirm that your first-choice center is actually administering the exam. Then, call the school and ask if they have some sort of list for standby students and ask them to place your name on the list. On Test Day make sure you arrive early and bring a paper registration form that you have already filled out (indicating that you are a standby test-taker) with sufficient payment. You may lose the $60 that you paid for the first center.

NorthEastMom2

This is a well-known college board glitch. Get ready with a list of several test centers that will work for you. Then call customer service. You should not have to pay to switch test centers because of their error. If your first choice is not available you are supposed to get another choice - not be auto-assigned to a far-away center. Be persistent and patient, and eventually you can get switched to a center which is closer to your home. (But maybe not your first choice)

Several other posters (including my d) have had this problem. It takes a while to get it resolved - so call ASAP, but make sure you have the time to stay on the phone with them.

dr/owned

you should have signed-up sooner than the last day. I signed up for various CB stuff 5 times and always got my 1st choice. Even if I didn't my 2nd and 3rd choices were 5 minutes longer trip.